7/4/2005 --
This Independence Day take the time to remember the men and women who gave their lives to help keep this country free. I know that the New Year is usually the time for resolutions, but how about an Independence Day resolution to become more involved in our great nation and the communities around us? That's my pledge for America's birthday and I hope it is yours, too.
On a family note, my grandsons learned a little independence of their own -- they learned to roll over. Check out the baby's page for the latest videos.
God Bless,
JulieAmerican, blog, Opinion, views, liberal, conservative, politics, gay, straight, christian, smoking, teens, adult,sex,stop here, anti-bush,anti-conservative
7/6/2005 --
Did you know that with all the talk about how smoking kills and all the talk about how we need to stop teens from smoking that it is not illegal in the state of Wisconsin for children to smoke? Not buy cigarettes -- that's illegal, but an adult can buy a pack of smokes and give them to a minor without suffering any consequences.
CAN YOU BELIEVE THAT?!?
So, I contacted my representative -- John Lehman -- and my state senator -- Cathy Stepp -- and sent them each the same letter outlining how I think this is outrageous and that there needs to be a law against kids smoking. Representative Lehman's office called and stated that he would work on drafting a bill. State Senator Stepp's office called and said that it is illegal for kids to buy cigarettes and therefore there's all ready a law.
When State Senator Stepp comes up for re-election next fall, guess who's voting for her opponent?
Anyway, my whole point isn't to knock State Senator Stepp anyway. My point is why isn't there a law banning kids from smoking? Why is the only thing a police officer can do is take away their smokes? We need laws in this country -- not just in Wisconsin -- banning kids from smoking. If we don't protect them, who will?
So, for those of you who know that I smoke a cigarette -- okay, more than one -- here and there, you should know that quitting smoking has been very difficult for me. I've fallen off and on the wagon for the last 9 plus years more times than I care to remember. It does not make me a hypocrite to want kids to not start smoking. I started at the age of 11 -- yes, you read that right -- 11. I "quit" at the age of 29. That's 18 years of smoking. I remained completely smoke free for 3 years and I fell off the wagon. Now, I have one occasionally, but I've worked hard to not go back to being a fulltime smoker. Let me tell you it ain't easy and I don't want teenagers to have to go through what I have gone through.
Case in point, I was recently at a friend's house where I saw a 14 year old girl smoking. Her mother had bought her cigarettes for her! Her mom! My friend said, "Nothing I can do, not my child." Except, he's wrong, she is his child and mine and yours. If we as a community do not watch out for each other's children, how can we expect them to know right from wrong, good from bad and smoking or non? Doesn't it take a village to raise a child? Don't we all need to step in and make a difference? -- In case you're wondering, the answer is yes. We need to step up to the plate and hit a homerun for our kids -- all of them -- yours, mine, ours.
So, when you're thinking about how you can make the world a better place, take the time to write a letter to your state representatives and ask them to sponsor a bill to make it illegal for kids to smoke.
Remember, your village needs you.
God Bless,
Julie
7/9/2005 --
Just a quick note to say that my heart and prayers go out to the London bombings' victims and their families.
God Bless,
Julie
7/14/2005 --
Today I was interviewed by Paul Gores of the Milwaukee Journal Seintenel. He wanted to speak with me regarding the bill John Lehman has drafted and is currently sitting in committee. (Did our founding fathers realize we would govern by committee?) Anyway, the bill is for legislation that would define the conditions under which Wisconsin Insurance companies can and cannot discriminate in denying insurance coverage to dog owners. I had sent both Representative Lehman and State Senator Stepp letters regarding this issue. Only Representative Lehman responded in the positive. He had a bill drafted.
So, the bill would make it illegal for insurance companies to discriminate against dog owners based solely on the breed of dog they own. If you currently live in Wisconsin and you do not believe that dog owners should be discriminated against, you should really contact your representative and senator and let them know just how you feel. To find out just who your representatives are click here. Remember, it is very important to become involved.
I'll let you all know when the article appears in the newspaper! Keep your eye out for it!
God Bless,
Julie
7/19/2005 --
Well, well, well...In 2003, George W. Bush's spokesperson, Scott McClellan, stated that anyone involved in leaking the CIA officer's name would no longer be welcomed in the Bush White House. Hmmmm, they sure have changed their minds now, haven't they? Apparently, both Karl Rove and Lewis Libby (chief of staff for VP Cheney) are involved -- okay, for the legal jackasses out there -- alledgedly involved. Now, the Bush Administration is pulling back from the original statements and saying, they will fire any aide that has committed a crime.
This leads me to believe that Bush might not have known that Rove was involved in the leak. Either that or he was arrogant enough to believe that Rove would not get caught. Very interesting to say the least. Personally, I believe that if you give a person enough rope, they'll manage to tie the noose and hang themselves.
On another note...
What is wrong with parents these days? Yesterday, I went to Barnes & Noble to pick up my copy of Harry Potter -- I love those books -- As I was leaving, I saw a pickup truck in which a boy around age 6 or 7 was riding, most definitely without a seatbelt. Well, you know me, MRS. Big Mouth -- I yelled at the kid to put on his seatbelt and I yelled at the father that he should put the kid in a seatbelt. It was a black Ford truck and the kid was wearing an orange cap and the dad looked like the kind of loser who would drive an overpriced, gas guzzling truck and then not make his kid wear a seatbelt. Why is it that I have to license my dog, but you don't need a license to rear children?
And another thing...
Did you see that Eric Rudolph received life in prison? I hope that they throw away the key. And, I have a couple of things to say about him, too.
First, this man represents what is wrong with fundamentalists. He really believes that what he did at 3 abortion clinics and one lesbian bar is right and just. He honestly believes that this is the way to combat that with which you disagree. I disagree with abortion, but I'm certainly not going to bomb a clinic! We should work together to eliminate the need for abortions.
Second, this man is just the tip of the iceberg. I've spoken to enough right-wing people to know that this is just how they feel. They seem to think that gays, lesbians and abortionists are destroying this country -- in reality, the right-wing is what is destroying this country. If we continue to give in to the extreme right, soon all our rights as Americans will be diminished. It's all ready happening -- take a good look at the poorly named Patriot Act.
Finally, I wonder if Rudolph has a problem with women in general. He choose to bomb abortion clinics, places that mainly have women employed and in attendance. Also, when he bombed a gay bar, he choose a lesbian bar -- not a mixed bar and not a gay man's bar, but a bar when the majority of the customers will be women. Maybe, his real issue is that he is a woman hater. Since we aren't putting him to death, because the coward made a plea agreement, we should study him and find out just what makes him tick. Perhaps, we can stop others from following his lead.
God Bless,
Julie
7/20/2005 --
And so it begins...
George W. Bush interrupted Prime Time television to announce his choice for the Supreme Court -- John Roberts. Today in my email box came the emails from this organization and that organization regarding Mr. Roberts and how we need to defeat him.
Now, I do not know anything about this man, except that Bush appointed him to a Federal Judge spot, he's married and has two kids. According to the emails I'm receiving, this man is a horrible choice because he's so right wing. Well, I'm not ready to condemn this man and I don't think anyone else should be either. According to what I read this morning, he is considered a Constitutional judge -- whatever that means. I'm hoping that it means he hasn't made up his mind about a case until after he hears arguments on both sides. I thought judges were suppose to be impartial. Am I wrong?
I don't care about this man's views on abortion. I happen to be against abortions and I don't really care if Roe v. Wade is overturned. Gee, I wonder if I'll have to turn in my Liberal Card for feeling that way?!? Is it fair to judge this man on one issue? You know what I want to know? (Well, you must or you wouldn't be on my site.)
I want to know if Mr. Roberts feels he can check his personal feelings and attitudes at the door. Can he make a decision based totally on the evidence before him and the laws which apply? If he can do that, then let him be a Supreme Court judge.
God Bless,
Julie
7/21/2005 –-
So, last week the Supreme Court opened up Eminent Domain to include government seizure of homes to give to developers. This would mean that if a private developer will pay more money in taxes for a piece of land than you will, the government is allowed in the name of public good to pay you a “fair market rate” for your home.
As you probably all ready know, there is now a huge uproar about this. If they can build condos over my little two bedroom ranch home and sell them to rich people, the government can condemn my home and take it for “Eminent Domain”. This, in my opinion, has far reaching implications. For example, take a look (if you live in the Racine-Kenosha area) at the lake front homes that stretch out on Sheridan road. Many of these homes are really nothing more that added on cottages – originally built for rich Illinois vacationers. The property value of these homes must be astounding, as they look over the blue waters of Lake Michigan. I don’t own one of these homes, but if I did, I’d be just a little worried right about now, as a smart developer could start buying them up and develop condos or apartments or bigger homes that would rake in more tax dollars. And, the owners of these homes couldn’t stop them. The government would just seize them under the guise of Eminent Domain.
(Just a side note – this is the REAL reason that Supreme Court Justices are so important. O’Connor, Rehnquist, Scalia and Thomas (Never in my wildest dreams did I ever think I’d be on the same side of an issue with Scalia and Thomas) wrote the dissent minority. Choosing a Supreme Court Justice HAS to be about more than just Gay Rights and Abortion. Let’s use our heads, people, and choose justices for their brains – their intelligence, not their political views.)
So, being upset at this ruling, I did some research and discovered that the ruling did allow for states to limit how Eminent Domain may be used. I, also, learned that 25 states have started to create legislation to limit Eminent Domain. I wanted to know what was being done in MY state, Wisconsin. So, I wrote State Senator, Cathy Stepp, and State Representative, John Lehman. (Click here for the email that I wrote.)
I sent this email late on Tuesday, July 19. I received an email response from Representative Lehman on Wednesday, July 20. I’m still waiting for a response from Senator Stepp. I can only assume that she isn’t sending an email, but a snail mail letter, which she often does. I will wait and keep you updated on whether or not I receive a response. I’m interested in hearing her response, as she is a developer and this Supreme Court ruling is sure to help her business. Could she really support a law limiting it?
Oh, in case you are in Wisconsin and you are wondering, here is a portion of Representative Lehman’s email:
Thanks for your e-mail message regarding the recent U.S. Supreme Court decision (Kelo v. City of New London) on eminent domain. Two state legislators (Representative Jeff Wood of Chippewa Falls and Senator Dave Zien of Eau Claire) are drafting legislation that would put limits on the broad eminent domain decision powers that were granted under the Kelo decision. While I have not yet seen the language of their bill, I view favorably legislation that preserves the rights of renters, homeowners and local small business under eminent domain proceedings.
As I hear more, I'll keep you informed.
God Bless,
Julie
7/22/2005 --
Splitting Hairs...
Supposedly, Karl Rove told a reporter that the wife of Jim Wilson (the reporter who had written some articles that were not kind to the Bush Administration) was a CIA operative. Now, the story is that because Karl Rove did not actually SAY her name, then he DIDN'T break the law.
Does that sound like semantics to you?
Shouldn't it still be illegal? I think so, do you?
Do you actually have to say the name in order to release the name? If you describe someone, leaving no doubt who the person is, then you're releasing the name.
If it turns out that Patrick Fitzgerald decides that Karl Rove has NOT committed a crime, then we need to change the law to be a little less so semantically narrow.
God Bless,
Julie
7/25/2005 --
John Roberts -- bad memory?
Well, it appears that John Roberts isn't the clean slate choice for Supreme Court Justice I thought he might be. I've all ready said that I didn't care if he was against abortion, but...
Someone asked John Roberts if he is a member of the Federalist Society. Mr. Roberts stated that while he had participated in the events, he doesn't remember paying dues or being a member of the conservative group. According to the Washington Post, Mr. Roberts was listed on the 1997-98 Federalist Society leadership directory.
How can you NOT remember paying your dues? How can you NOT remember being a member of a group.
Now, if the Federalist Society was a charity and they said he donated $50.00 to them in 1997, I could understand that he would not remember. After all, I don't remember the names of charities I gave money to within the last month, much less charities to whom I gave money in 1997. However, if I was on the leadership roster of an organization, I think I would remember. Eight years from now, I'm pretty sure I'll remember that I served on the Board of Education for my local parish school.
Frankly, I don't care that Mr. Roberts was or was not a member of a conservative society. I really don't know much about the Federalist Society, so the name means nothing to me. However; I do not think that someone who cannot answer a question truthfully and directly should be a member of the Supreme Court of the United States of America. It is a matter of character. Stating you don't remember, is pretty much the same thing as saying "I don't want to tell you."
Considering the hide and seek the Bush Administration has been doing with the truth for the last five years, I really didn't expect them to nominate someone who would have high standards and moral character.
Okay, I have found a website that gives what I think is a fair a balanced view on Mr. Roberts' track record. It is the People for the American Way. If you wish to know more about Mr. Roberts, click here. This way you can make up your own mind about whether or not you wish for you Senator to Support Mr. Roberts' nomination or not.
God Bless,
Julie
7/29/2005 --
A little faith...
I was going to write about something else this morning. I had planned it all out in my car on my way to work, but then I take a look at the Milwaukee Journal Seintenel and see that Senator Bill Frist has changed his mind on stem cell research. He's backing a bill that President Bush has said that he will veto.
I have to say that I'm a little shocked. I know that Frist has been courting the religious right, who oppose such a move. This could, quite possibly, lessen his chances of being President in 2008. If the right-wing conservatives don't back him, who would?
I have to say, I'm proud of him. I mean it. No tongue in cheek. Senator Frist is taking a stand -- and a good stand at that. Expanding stem cell research can only improve health care in this country. Following the restrictions that were passed in 2001 will slow advances in medicine. I have a grandfather who has Alzheimer's. I cried when Christopher Reeves died, because I really hoped and believed that he would be able to walk again. I'm hoping that Michael J. Fox can someday be cured of Parkinsons. Don't all of us feel this way?
It isn't hypocritical to be Pro-life and support stem cell research. Life doesn't begin at conception -- it begins at implantation. An frozen embryo isn't ever going to become a living, viable human being until it is implanted inside a woman's womb. Each day, women who have conceived do not give birth because the fertilized egg does not attach to the uteran wall. This isn't an abortion. This is the body not accepting the egg. Not every fertilized egg is destined to become a human.
Senator Frist has done the right thing. He's made me feel a little better about the human race.
Allow me to tell you about my morning.
Cheryl told me this morning that Paris Hilton (have you heard of her?) has a five million dollar diamond engagement ring. She's complaining that it hurts her hand and she can't wear it. A FIVE MILLION DOLLAR engagement ring in a world where some people can't feed their children and 45 million Americans go without healthcare. Worst than that, this made the news. It's not like Paris Hilton called Cheryl and said, "Hey, I can't wear my ring." And, then, on my way to work, I see people cutting each other off and not using their blinkers -- which is my biggest pet peeve. Then, I saw this overblown, gas guzzling truck with the sticker, "Bad Ass Girls Drive Bad Ass Trucks." Then, I saw another truck with a sticker of a little boy peeing on the words ex-wife. I was thinking when did we become such an uncaring and unloving nation? I was beginning to lose my faith in humanity.
So, I thought I'd write an article about it. Something that would talk about how we all need to just get along and all that. And, then, I see that Senator Frist is taking a stand. And, he's taking a political risk with his stand. It just gave me a little more faith in humankind.
Thank you, Senator Frist.
God Bless,
Julie